Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

You may have specific ailments that you are concerned about, or perhaps you are simply concerned about overall wellness. No matter what your reason for visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist, there is a treatment that will leave you feeling relieved and refreshed, and possibly years younger. Part of achieving optimal health involves taking responsibility for your body’s specific needs and taking steps to correct any imbalances that may occur. When stress, injury or overexertion causes pain and illness, why suffer needlessly? You can visit a Richmond Hill professional therapist to relieve your pain and stress as well as help detoxify the body to combat serious illnesses.

A Richmond Hill chiropractor can correct spinal alignment to relieve the back pain that often results from poor posture or repeating the same type of motions over and over again. Many jobs require us to stand, sit or repeat the same actions continuously for eight hours or more. Our bodies are not designed for such abuse and eventually pain will develop. Regular visits to your chiropractor can relieve such pain and can also help for a myriad of other health issues including digestive problems, headaches and neurological disorders.

A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can target any area of the body to provide relief from pain and disease. Acupuncture has proven to be effective for weight loss and helping people to quit smoking. It can improve digestive function and brain function, improving moods and helping the body to detoxify itself.

Richmond Hill massage therapy can provide relief from pain and tension in every part of your body. It improves blood circulation and helps to eliminate toxins from the body and will leave you with extra energy and a feeling of well-being. Visit Richmond Hill for natural therapies today!

There are no shortages of studies that indicate that Canadians are struggling with maintaining a healthy weight. Our lifestyle choices ultimately are the main contributing factor to becoming overweight; incorrect food choices, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption greatly contribute to excess weight.

Many of us are in a chair at a desk 6 – 8 hours a day and without any form of exercise throughout this time period, the body will pay the price.

Stretching

Stretching is important for a multitude of reasons. Increasing the flow of oxygen throughout the body by regular stretching is critical in order to have healthy blood circulation. Far too many minor aches and pains stem from the lack of oxygen in the blood stream which also causes tension and tightness in the muscles. Making time to stretch for 15 minutes a day can lead to improvements.  A great example of how many of us automatically correct circulation is when we are working at a desk and the tension builds in the neck and shoulder – most of us will slowly move our head in circles to alleviate that feeling; what we are doing is stretching those muscles in order to increase the flow of oxygen.

Our muscles need oxygen and stretching accomplished this. Those who stretch regularly feel the benefits for muscles that are less tense, less aching and less strained.

Stretching While At Work

Taking regular 60 second breaks to stretch throughout the work day is easy. Here are some suggestions to get oxygen moving into your blood stream. (All the below stretches are not to be done on chairs that have castor wheels. The chair must have 4 legs.)

1. While sitting and with proper posture, lower your chin as far as you can (to your chest). Slowly raise your head until the back of your head touches your back.
2. Slowly turn your head side-to-side with the ultimate goal of eventually getting the chin over each shoulder.
3. Make circles with your head – slowly.
4. Place both feet on the floor and sit straight – chest out and move both arms behind you until you can hold your hands behind the back – hold this position 5 to 10 seconds.
5. Take your right arm and hold it straight up – bend the elbow downwards until behind the back – with the left hand hold the right elbow and slightly pull until you feel the stretch and hold it for 5 – 10 seconds.  Repeat with the opposite arm.
6. While sitting place both feet on the floor place the left foot on the right knee. Slowly lower left knee until you feel a stretch in the upper outer thigh area – hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat. Then alternate legs.
7. Sit on the edge of your chair with both feet on the floor at shoulder-width distance.   Slowly lower the torso with your arms extended in front – stretch as low and as forward as possible until you feel a good stretch. Hold it for 5-10 seconds, slowly release and repeat 3 or 4 times.

These “extra” fun stretching exercises that can only be done only with a wooden chair in good condition (that has solid arms and four legs securely on the floor) positioned on carpeting so that it cannot move.

1. When time at the computer desk is spent reading (or watching television), pull the chair out to a comfortable distance. Place both feet flat on the floor and while keeping the back straight, use only the arms to slowly lift the body until the elbows are straightened. Hold that position as long as possible, and then slowly lower the body back to the chair. Repeat this exercise as frequently as possible when spending “reading time” at the computer. This will benefit the forearms, upper arms and shoulders.
2. At the desk, position the chair at an angle to free up leg space. Keep the back straight with both feet on the floor. Lift one leg off the floor about 10 cm (4”). Slowly straighten the leg to about a 140 degree angle. Hold that position. Then raise the leg higher and hold as long as possible then slowly release. Use your arms to help alleviate any unnecessary pressure on the lower back. This move will work out the quadriceps, calves and the tibialis anterior muscle.
3. Using the chair leg lift exercise, do the same only this time, firmly hold onto the arms of the chair and lift both legs simultaneously. Repeat as mentioned above. This time, not only are the legs getting a workout, but so are the abs, arms and shoulders.
4. While preparing a meal or hand washing dishes, stand erect. Choose one leg and bend the knee back until there is a 90 degree angle. Then using the upper part of that leg lift up until the gluts feel tight. Remember to keep the back straight by bending slightly forward from the hips in order to alleviate any strain on the lower back. Hold for 10 seconds and slowly release. Repeat as many times as the comfort level permits, remembering to alternate legs.

These simple stretching exercises, if done on a daily basis, will soon become so routine you’ll notice the difference.

For further information, Chiro-Med Rehab Clinic in Richmond Hill has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. The health professionals at Chiro-Med can help you with these or other stretching ideas to help you feel great. Drop on by or call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. In fact, the practice of using touch to heal derives from customs in ancient history. The earliest written records of massage therapy were discovered in Egypt and China. Tomb paintings in Egypt depict individuals being kneaded by others. In China, there is ancient written documentation stating that massage therapy dates back to approximately 2700 BCE.
Even though therapeutic massages have been widely accepted for centuries, here in the west, there have been ambivalent thoughts as to the purpose and safety of prenatal massages. Research has clearly shown that not only are prenatal massages safe, they can be highly beneficial to most expecting mothers.

Prenatal Massage Benefits

The majority of women who get prenatal massage therapy state that they feel less depression, less anxious, and they have a notable reduction in leg and back pain.
Massage therapy has been clearly demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy. Cortisol (stress hormone) levels decrease during massage and this has shown that excessive fetal activity decreases. Even better, a study shows that the rate of premature babies is lower in those who receive prenatal massages.
In a study of women having labour pain, women who received massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labours were on average three hours shorter with a great reduction in need for medication. The National Institutes for Health report that an underlying mechanism they have explored is that these effects are mediated by increased vagal activity.
Massage therapy also helps to relieve muscle aches and joint pains, improves labour and newborn health.

What Massage Techniques Are Used?

Most prenatal massages use the principles based on Swedish massage techniques. Swedish massage has been proven to help reduce muscle tension and it can improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The primary purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the blood’s oxygen flow and assist in toxin removal from the muscles. It achieves this through the use of six basic strokes. They are:

• effleurage (gliding);
• effleurage (gliding);
• petrissage (kneading);
• friction;
• vibration;
• traction; and
• tapotement (tapping).

What Makes Prenatal Massage Different?

This type of massage differs from general massage because there can be some risks if certain pressure points are stimulated. There are areas of the body in which the uterus can start to contract when pressure is applied during the third trimester. There must be a level of sensitivity and gentleness extended by the therapist; and this must factor in the baby as well.
Prenatal massage is not just for the mother-to-be. Some expectant couples book a massage therapist to give them both a massage as this is a magnificent way to deepen a bond and enhance emotional connectedness.

Prenatal Massage is not for Everyone

There can be certain conditions in which a pregnant woman is not suited for massage. If you are considering a therapeutic prenatal massage be sure to consult with a qualified health practitioner first. It may be best to avoid massage if:

• If your midwife or doctor has advised you against it.
• If you are in a high risk pregnancy category.
• If you have previously had a premature labour.
• If you have pregnancy induced hypertension.
• Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing prenatal massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy due to a possible increased risk for miscarriage.

The National Institutes of Health Findings

• Massage therapy is the most common alternative therapy recommended during pregnancy.
• Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy.
• Depressed pregnant women given prenatal massage experienced fewer prenatal complications.
• In our study on labour pain, the women receiving massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labours were on average 3 hours shorter with less need for medication.
• The most important finding was the lower incidence of prematurity and low birth weight in the massaged depressed women.
• Postpartum depression and cortisol levels were decreased in the massaged women. The newborns of the massaged mothers also had lower cortisol levels than the newborns of the control mothers, and performed better on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation and motor scales.

Having open lines of communication between you and your massage therapist is critical. If there is a movement that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable you must have your voice heard. At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre you can be sure you are in the hands of not only qualified massage therapists, but therapist who have the best interests of you and your baby.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you and your baby experience relaxation and relief from stress during your pregnancy. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2870995/
https://www.naturalhealers.com/massage-therapy/history/

Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This foot ailment is inflammation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) located on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is what connects the heel bone to the toes and it creates the arch of the foot; this can be quite painful and make walking more difficult.

Those who have plantar fasciitis feel dull or sharp pain and stiffness at the bottom of the heel. Some people report feeling an ache or burn at the bottom of the foot. This pain is felt worse in the morning when taking the first steps of the day. It is also noticeable after standing or sitting for a period of time. Plantar fasciitis pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

When the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overused or overstretched this is when plantar fasciitis can occur. Another possible cause of pain and dysfunction is now thought to be degeneration of the collagen fibres close to the attachment to the heel bone.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• High arches or flat feet
• Poor arch support
• Sudden weight gain or obesity
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Long distance running or running on uneven surfaces

Plantar fasciitis is the most common orthopedic complaints related to the foot and seems to affect mostly men aged between 40 and 70.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis you should see a health professional as soon as possible. An examination will be conducted to determine the tenderness of the foot, arches will be checked, and the tightness or stiffness of the arch will be examined.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped countless people who have suffered with plantar fasciitis. The severity of this condition will determine the treatment. The good news is that almost always, nonsurgical treatment improves the pain. Patients who have severe plantar fasciitis may require several months of therapy  in order to feel totally better, and in some rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

Immediate steps to relieve pain are to apply ice to the painful area, minimum twice a day for about 15-20 minutes.  Wearing shoes with good support are a must and resting as much as possible as well.

You may need to do some heel stretching exercises to help relieve the stiffness. In addition, using night splints to help stretch out the plantar fascia may aid in the healing process.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that fit comfortably into normal footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve your ability to walk pain-free. Orthotics should be worn at all times, at work, at home, and during recreational activities. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses, they work when they are being worn, providing support to all the areas that need support.
During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort felt in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are doing their job.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back to activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

The origin of acupuncture dates back to ancient China, 2500 years ago or more.  The practice was adopted by neighbouring Asian countries including Vietnam, Korea and Japan, and was brought to Europe by some of the first Chinese settlers.  Acupuncture did not become well known in North America until the early 1970s, when President Nixon traveled to China.  During this trip, one of the reporters who accompanied Nixon developed appendicitis and had to undergo surgery, after which he was given acupuncture to treat a minor complication that arose.  The reporter wrote about his experience, introducing North America to the practice of Acupuncture.  Today, acupuncture is commonly practiced throughout the world with proven success.  Richmond Hill acupuncture experts can provide professional acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of ailments.

Acupuncture can be used to assist with weight loss or quitting smoking, and it is also very effective in the treatment of substance abuse problems, even severe addictions.  It can eliminate chronic pain and also be used to treat depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.  Chinese surgeons even use acupuncture to control pain during surgery.  In some cases, they perform the entire surgery with the patient awake with no assistance from drugs whatsoever.

The way that acupuncture works, according to Chinese medicine, is that energy runs in several channels throughout the body.  These channels are called meridians.  When the flow of energy becomes blocked, pain or illness can occur.  Acupuncture needles inserted at key points in the meridians unblock the energy, allowing it to flow freely.  According to modern science, inserting the needles in these specific points stimulates the body to release chemicals that address whatever physical problem the point is connected to, correcting the body’s biochemical balance so that it can heal itself.  Contact a Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist to discuss treatment for any type of ailment that you may have.

Massage therapy has an extensive history in many cultures worldwide. Today, people have the opportunity to experience massage therapy for relaxation and for health-related purposes. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill offers massage therapy for their patients to help relieve pain, swelling as well as to rehabilitate and improve physical function.

A therapeutic massage has countless benefits that greatly improve the condition of many different
ailments. Sometimes a therapeutic massage includes deep tissue massaging and this occurs when the registered massage therapist applies firm pressure to the muscles using fingertips, hands, elbows, knuckles, and even forearms, in order to stimulate muscle and body tissue.

MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFITS

Chronic Pain Reduction:
If you suffer from chronic discomfort such as muscle inflammation, a bad back, neck pain, headaches or even arthritis, massage therapy can help alleviate some, if not all of the pain. For some clients, deep tissue massages have proven to be highly effective and in some cases, better than daily medications. Medications tend to mask the real problem; they were not formulated to cure the health ailment.

Massage therapy increases blood flow, so it reduces inflammation in affected areas. Firm pressure eases pain and alleviates tension, loosens tightness as well as the buildup of lactic acid that can cause pain. When maintained on a regular basis, massage therapy can be a great alternative for an individual who is not interested in prescription drugs.

Stress Relief:
Another benefit of massage therapy, and specifically, deep tissue massage, is stress relief. A firm yet forceful pressure applied to the body relaxes and can eliminate tension. Not only are muscles being worked but the increased blood flow flushes out toxins and helps to put the body and the mind in a relaxed state.

A registered massage therapist concentrates on massaging various trigger points that are commonly known to hold stress. By working out the muscles, the body relaxes with greater ease. If you are an individual who maintains a chaotic schedule then massage therapy may be what you need at least monthly, in order to keep stress at bay.

Increased Blood Flow:
One of the best benefits of a deep tissue massage is the increased blood flow it causes. Due to the direct pressure that massage therapists apply, blood circulation is increased throughout the body. As a result, this increased blood flow boosts oxygen to all of the tissues in the body. More oxygen circulating in the blood means that toxins are removed at a higher rate and added oxygen can provide more energy and it aids in fighting free radicals.

Lower Blood Pressure:
A beneficial side effect of eliminating tension and stress involves reducing blood pressure. As the registered massage therapist applies pressure he or she will reduce muscle tightness, and this can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, especially for those prone to high blood pressure.

Experiencing true stress relief has been proven to promote more serotonin production in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for making a person feel happy.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill uses massage therapy to also help with:

• Maintenance care
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Pain or tingling into arms or legs
• Postural issues
• Pregnancy massage
• Prenatal pain
• Postnatal pain
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Lymphatic drainage

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has registered massage therapists who ensure all clients are treated as individuals. After all, no two people are the same, nor should a massage therapy treatment be a carbon copy for everyone. Chiro-Med registered massage therapists truly care about every individual's needs - and it shows.

Omega-3 is in a group of essential fatty acids that you’ve probably heard of before; they are one of the mainstays of the nutrition industry, with a market value of roughly $1.6 billion industry wide.  And you’ve probably also heard that they’re good for you, with a wide range of health benefits, including being good for your heart, good for your brain, and that they help reduce inflammation in the body. Interestingly, many people remain unaware of the health benefits that Omega-3 has to offer when it comes to bone health. If you needed yet another reason for adding foods rich in omega-3 into your diet, get ready to add improved bone health to your list.

Our bodies cannot manufacture Omega-3 and as such it is vitally important to our health that our diets contain food sources with enough Omega-3 in them. In fact, diets deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues relating to the brain, nerves, eyes, and the immune system. But did you know that being deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids could also lead to poor bone health?

Just like our skin or muscle tissue, bone is a living tissue. The body is always undergoing a constant process of making new bone matter and removing old bone matter. However, during early childhood and adolescence, the body produces new bone matter at a much faster rate than it removes old bone matter, leading to our bones becoming denser during this time period. By about age 30, our bones reach their peak density. This is important because the amount of bone mass you have in your early 30s helps determine your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.  During these formative years, it has been demonstrated that Omega-3 is positively associated with increased bone mineral density, meaning that people with higher concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood build stronger bones during the body’s peak years for bone density formation, setting the stage for better bone health later on in life.

In fact, recent studies have begun to demonstrate how low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood stream may lead to the increased risk of bone fractures in older people, notably with hip fractures in postmenopausal women. With broken hips being one of the most common fracture-related injuries associated with osteoporosis, affecting one out of every 2 women above age 50, this is an significant finding for women. And while it’s important that everyone gets Omega-3 in their diet on a daily basis to help promote healthy bones, for women in their menopausal years it isn’t just important, it is crucial. When women go through menopause, they experience a rapid reduction in bone mineral density. Higher omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are thought to improve bone mineral density, and recent studies have begun to show just how true this idea is.

So now that you know that Omega-3 is good for your body, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, what foods should you start trying to work into your diet? Foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon, herring, mackerel) along with plant foods such as walnuts, flax, wild rice, and certain omega-enriched dairy products are all good examples of food high in Omega-3s that you can add into your diet to help support your bone health.  While some risk factors for osteoporosis can’t be changed, such as gender or ethnicity, diet is one thing that can be controlled. By eating a diet rich in calcium and Omega-3, and getting plenty of physical exercise and vitamin D, people may be able to build strong bones that can last a lifetime.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. Our walk-in clinic in conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information.

There is not a doubt that we have become a society riddled with arthritis and joint pain. Conventional medicine offers prescription drugs that come with a massive list of possible side effects; and still these do not solve the underlining problem. Natural wisdom teaches us that there is always hope beyond pharmaceutical drugs. There is a plethora of studies out there that clearly proves to us that lifestyle changes and dietary habits have a profound effect on our health and this includes arthritis and joint pain. The simplest of remedies like a daily intake of apple cider vinegar can effectively work for many people to naturally ease pain in the joints (and to simply support good health).

The Science Behind The Remedy

With a history rooted in folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is tossed aside by many members of the medical field. Naturopathic doctors and other natural health professionals praise traditional remedies. Apple cider vinegar offers our body a multitude of health benefits, not just relief from arthritis or joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals that our body needs including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. Mineral (as well as vitamin) deficiencies are the root causes of many health problems, and if not detected, deficiencies can worsen health problems including arthritis and joint pain. A diet rich in essential minerals is a critical step to relieving arthritic pain. The potassium in apple cider vinegar may be especially beneficial because it works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints, which is linked to joint stiffness.

Not All Apple Cider Vinegar Is Beneficial

Going to a grocery store may not be the place to find the apple cider vinegar that is beneficial. Most vinegar sold in grocery stores is processed and these are not beneficial to us.  Raw, unprocessed, organic apple cider vinegar is the beneficial vinegar. This type of apple cider vinegar is rich in beneficial enzymes and acids that have a multitude of health benefits. It is encouraging however, to see some grocery stores carrying organic, raw apple cider vinegar. Health food stores carry this also and it is inexpensive.

All of the benefits of apple cider vinegar can only be attained with vinegar that is organic, raw, unfiltered and unprocessed. This type of apple cider vinegar will have a noticeable amount of residue floating around in the bottle. This is called the "mother," the natural accumulation of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. In any other form, including pills, apple cider vinegar is inferior and much less effective.

Joint Health

Nutrients are essential for joint health, so it is imperative that the body absorb the nutrients it gets and use them. Apple cider vinegar makes this possible even for those with arthritis.

There are many experts who suggest that joint pain and arthritis may be linked to toxins that have accumulated in the joints because metabolic waste is often stored in connective tissues. Often, people with joint pain will shun activities that tend to trigger more pain, yet the lack of movement may cause toxins to build-up even more. Apple cider vinegar has pectin and this helps to absorb toxins and get them out of the system, meanwhile the acids in cider vinegar work to purify and detoxify the entire body.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Joint Pain

The simplest way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routines is to mix 1-3 teaspoons in one cup of water three times daily, preferably just before meals. If you find this still too strong to drink, dilute it in more water.

Some people with joint pain state that having a bath with apple cider vinegar in the water helps. Other people report that when mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of coconut oil (or olive oil) makes a soothing ointment to rub on affected joints.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar has all the necessary acid content to give the needed balance in the digestive system, and this helps to avoid calcium build-up. Some naturopathic doctors say that apple cider vinegar is to be taken three times a daily with honey and water but only once a day for the first couple of days. (If you are diabetic then omit the honey.)

Apple Cider Vinegar Folk Remedy For Osteoarthritis

Excruciating pain can be caused when acid crystals build up in the joints. Sometimes, this leads to decreased mobility and deformity. It is the acid crystal build-up that causes osteoarthritis and eventually, a daily routine that includes apple cider vinegar will disperse these acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is believed to be caused by a streptococcal infection. Not only is apple cider vinegar a great treatment option for arthritis, it is known to work for acid reflux, fatigue, gout, sore throats, heartburn, and numerous other ailments. Results have shown that it helps balance the acid in the body.

Everyone is different and therefore it is highly advised that you seek advice from a health professional as opposed to self-diagnosing and treating. Chiro Med can help. Chiro Med Rehab Centre is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill. Visit them online or call 905-918-0419.